The Melbourne Central food court
The Melbourne Central food court follows GPT’s manifesto for Melbourne Central, which encourages the blending of creativity and art with retailing and community, and promotes sustainability to the retailers by leading through example.
Melbourne Central is a landmark, eclectic, environmentally aware shopping centre in Melbourne’s CBD. Fittingly, the food court’s design focuses on the use of environmentally sustainable materials. Given the large size of the space, it was also important to create a variety of smaller dining areas for different groups of people.
The largest mosaic art installation in Australia graces the walls and tells a story for adults and children.
The layout defies the number-one rule of food courts that says that sight lines to all tenancies from anywhere are a prerequisite. Deliberately massed visual obstructions break up dining zones and the layout relies on people’s innate sense of curiosity. Similarly, variety in furniture and lighting selections defines different dining zones. Material selections for flooring, walls and ceiling provide a design response on many levels. Floor tiles and wall cladding have a relief texture designed by Patricia Urquiola. Its reference to fabric print evokes a connection to the adjacent fashion precinct while also serving as a suitable non-slip floor treatment. The open slat ceiling defines the overall space while providing warmth, texture and acoustic qualities.
The innovation of this design comes from its redefinition of the food court experience. It blurs the line between restaurant dining and fast food – you can be sitting in a chair of significant value eating a simple cheeseburger and fries. Mass public venues attract a broad and varied audience; this one raises the bar through specified material, furniture and lighting, and a focus on design sophistication. Its habitation and enjoyment is not just reserved for wealthier people; it is non-discriminatory. Melbourne Central food court encourages co-habitation, and educates from a design sense as well as at a cultural and human level. It holds no social prejudices and therefore provides a genuine and honest venue for community interaction.
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